Review the proposed 2012 NMBA increased registration fee for nurses and midwives

We draw the attention of the NMBA and the Minister for Health & Ageing to the outrage of the professions at the decision of the NMBA to increase the 2012 registration fee for nurses and midwives by $45.00 from $115.00 to $160.00, that is an increase of almost 40%.

Whilst we continue to support self-regulation (which means being self-funded) and we continue to oppose any cross subsidisation between professions, we do not believe this increase is justifiable. We believe that any increase should not exceed the growth in Consumer Price Index (CPI) or wages growth.

One of the alleged benefits of moving to National Registration was the increased efficiencies and economies of scale that could be achieved by a national model. We have seen no evidence of such economies or efficiencies being implemented by the NMBA or their secretariat, the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

In addition, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) receives direct payment from training organisations who are seeking accreditation for nursing and midwifery programs of study. The cost implications of accreditation and monitoring should be factored into that payment to ANMAC.